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Thought I'd share the outcome of a recent project I worked on. Of course, this is a matter of taste, but after seeing the new ambient lighting in some other Benz models, I had to get in on the fun. Upgraded standard 3-color ambient lighting system to 64 color and added optical-lit air vents a-la 2019+ Mercedes models. It was a bit of (literal) pain, but absolutely worth it. Enjoy!
I think it's nice to have more lighting accent. Did you have to remove the panels to get to the vents? How did you connect the extra lights to the existing light under the panel?
How'd ya pull out the vents? The oem tool is really expensive IIRC, like $60 for a piece of plastic... Don't have two right-angle picks available and a paperclip is too weak.
I think it's nice to have more lighting accent. Did you have to remove the panels to get to the vents? How did you connect the extra lights to the existing light under the panel?
The center console needs to come out in order to change the three middle vents and run all of the wiring. You'll also need to remove the under panels in both the driver and passenger footwells, as well as the door cards. The kit I got replaced the optical lighting throughout the cabin. The OEM light tubes are still utilized.
Originally Posted by jonathan358
How'd ya pull out the vents? The oem tool is really expensive IIRC, like $60 for a piece of plastic... Don't have two right-angle picks available and a paperclip is too weak.
Center vents can be removed without a pry tool - just remove the console and depress the back clips while pushing them out from the rear to the front. For the side vents, I bought some hook tools from Home Depot. Cost me $12 or so.
I really want to do this exact light install to mine.
Did you record how you did this by any chance?
I saw some light strips on amazon but rather follow your example, it looks so clean.
Any tips you have I would appreciate so much!
Originally Posted by mfeinst
Hi all,
Thought I'd share the outcome of a recent project I worked on. Of course, this is a matter of taste, but after seeing the new ambient lighting in some other Benz models, I had to get in on the fun. Upgraded standard 3-color ambient lighting system to 64 color and added optical-lit air vents a-la 2019+ Mercedes models. It was a bit of (literal) pain, but absolutely worth it. Enjoy!
I really want to do this exact light install to mine.
Did you record how you did this by any chance?
I saw some light strips on amazon but rather follow your example, it looks so clean.
Any tips you have I would appreciate so much!
Unfortunately, I didn’t record this. Check eBay, which is where I found these replacement vents and control boxes. If you have trouble finding them, let me know.
Thought I'd share the outcome of a recent project I worked on. Of course, this is a matter of taste, but after seeing the new ambient lighting in some other Benz models, I had to get in on the fun. Upgraded standard 3-color ambient lighting system to 64 color and added optical-lit air vents a-la 2019+ Mercedes models. It was a bit of (literal) pain, but absolutely worth it. Enjoy!
Looks great. I’m on the fence with taking on this project for just the doors and center console. Have you experienced any issues since the install?
Looks great. I’m on the fence with taking on this project for just the doors and center console. Have you experienced any issues since the install?
No issues at all. It’s an awesome piece of kit that really adds to the ambiance of the interior. Just be careful when installing to cover up other panels so you don’t scratch anything. Very easy to do so because of where everything is positioned.
01-27-2021, 12:43 AM
